Been there, seen it, done it. Too many times the Seattle Sounders have dug themselves a hole in the first legs of MLS playoffs and CONCACAF Champions League knockout rounds. But this one may be the deepest yet. With Obafemi Martins out and Brad Evans questionable, can it be done? “We believe in ourselves and we believe in our ability to do a difficult thing,” head coach Sigi Schmid said. “Like I’ve said before, it’s not going to be easy, but it’s not impossible.” On Sunday it was announced Eddie Johnson will make the trip, giving the Sounders a timely boost ahead of a grueling task.

3. GOMEZ: “I WAS PROUD TO BE A SEATTLE SOUNDER”

Herculez Gomez’s nomadic career brought him to Seattle for a few brief months in 2003. And the Mexican-American striker holds his time with the Sounders close to his heart. “It was probably one of the best summers that I have ever had," Gomez told the Seattle Times. The USMNT forward enjoyed his return with Santos last week. "[Seattle's] fans were pretty appreciative. They let me know how they felt, and that was pretty special."

Ryan Nelsen was a player who had a "never say die" attitude. It seems as if that mentality is translating to his players. Down 2-0 to FC Dallas with five minutes to go on Saturday, the Reds fought back with two late strikes, including Darel Russell’s injury-time howitzer, to snatch a point. “We are very close to being a very good team,” Nelsen said. “We just need a bit more belief and as you saw that second half, we can compete with anybody.”

Brad Guzan won the battle of the USMNT stars in the EPL, as his Aston Villa side recorded a dramatic 3-1 win over Geoff Cameron’s Stoke City. The Villans now sit just one point and one spot behind Stoke in the EPL standings, as Cameron and Brek Shea brace themselves for a relegation scrap. In the Championship, Stuart Holden started in Sheffield Wednesday's 3-2 win over Blackburn.

Beginning their U-17 World Cup qualifying campaign, the US youngsters comfortably defeated Haiti 3-0 in Panama City in their opening match of the CONCACAF U-17 Championship. New York Red Bulls Academy product Chris Lema struck twice as Richie Williams’ side grew stronger as the game went on. The US continue their qualifying tournament on Thursday, when they face Guatemala (6:30 pm ET, Fox Soccer). And, oh yeah, they have a mystery man from Boca Juniors who is quite special…

13. UNSUNG HEROES TAKE THE LIMELIGHT IN MLS FANTASY

If, like me, you loaded your MLS Fantasy: Soccer Manager squad with expensive forwards and midfielders, you had a pretty rough weekend of it. But plenty of unheralded players more than made up for that. Take a look at our MLS Fantasy review and see which gems you’re missing before you make transfers this week. A must read.

Make sure you tune in to watch the Manchester Derby this afternoon, as Manchester United host rivals Man. City in a clash that never disappoints. The action begins at 2:30 pm ET, live on ESPN2. And if you are at work you can watch along on ESPN3.com … while you’re pretending to be busy. Simple. And for the rest of the action live on the tube this week, Soccer America has compiled this lovely list. Cheers guys.